A new batteries research and innovation forum— the Batteries Europe Platform— has been launched by European Union energy chief Maroš Šefčovič.
Šefčovič (pictured) said the initiative would be a forum setting out Europe’s strategic research and innovation needs and linking existing EU-backed funding programmes to support the European Batteries Alliance.
The forum would also help coordinate ‘cradle-to-grave’ issues facing the lithium-ion supporting Alliance including the supply of raw materials, recycling and how best to integrate e-mobility and vehicle-to-grid services, Šefčovič said.
Earlier this year, the European Investment Bank (EIB) confirmed its approval in principle of a €350 million (US$391m) loan for Swedish battery maker Northvolt to build a 16GWh capacity lithium-ion battery cell plant.
BEST Battery Briefing revealed in May that the EIB and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development were set to back the launch of a raw materials investment facility to support future batteries production in the EU.
